CASTRIES, St Lucia — Police have now charged two suspects in the 2024 killing of 13-year-old Melchizedek Gilbert Tixcy, confirming that 2 suspects charged in Tixcy murder are now before the courts after a second accused was returned to the island and formally charged following nearly two years outside the jurisdiction.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that 20-year-old Merkyle Cooper of Desruisseaux, Micoud, was charged with murder on Monday, January 25, 2026. He appeared before the Second District Court the following day and was remanded in custody at the Bordelais Correctional Facility.
Tixcy was shot and killed on July 31, 2024, at his residence in Blanchard, Desruisseaux. The fatal shooting of the teenager shocked the community and sparked nationwide concern over gun violence and the safety of children. Earlier reporting detailed the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting and the immediate community response.
First suspect charged in 2024 as 2 suspects charged in Tixcy murder
Police arrested and charged a first suspect days after the killing. Superintendent Stephen Victorin, who has responsibility for the Southern Division, confirmed that Makalay Simon of Blanchard, Desruisseaux, was arrested on August 8, 2024, and charged with murder in connection with Tixcy’s death.
Simon was remanded in custody at the Bordelais Correctional Facility, where he remains as the matter proceeds before the courts. The case also drew criticism over what some described as a lack of timely official communication in the days following the incident.
Investigators have not publicly disclosed a motive, and police have maintained that the matter remains before the courts, emphasizing due process for all accused.
Second suspect arrested abroad and extradited
Police said Cooper fled St Lucia shortly after the shooting and remained outside the jurisdiction for an extended period. His arrest was made recently on the island of Dominica, where he was apprehended on an unrelated charge of possession of controlled drugs.
Through inter-agency cooperation, Cooper was returned to St Lucia and placed in police custody on Thursday, January 22, 2026. Authorities said the extradition allowed the long-running homicide investigation to move forward after nearly two years.
The case also intensified national discussion about youth violence and the protection of children, particularly given the victim’s age and the circumstances of the killing.
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has not indicated whether further arrests are expected. Police reiterated that serious criminal investigations remain active regardless of the time elapsed or attempts by suspects to evade authorities.
Judicial proceedings are now continuing against both accused as the Tixcy murder case remains before the courts.
